By MARINEL E. PEROY
Switzerland is committed to promoting dialogue and defending a rules-based international order, Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Nicolas Brühl said, reassuring the Philippines of its shared values of peace, partnership, and principles.
“Switzerland’s origins in 1291 were grounded in a simple yet profound idea that diverse communities, speaking different languages, practicing different customs, could choose to stand together in solidarity,” Brühl said.
At a reception for Swiss National Day, the envoy highlighted that upholding international law strengthens regional and global stability [that] benefits all nations, regardless of size or size or power.
He also cited examples of how Swiss-Philippines relationship has strengthened partnerships from building economic development and governance to supporting peacekeeping efforts on the Bangsamoro peace process.
“We believe that stability is only possible when communities are hurt and political solutions are negotiated — not imposed,” he added.
He highlighted that Switzerland-Philippine friendship did not only nurture in diplomacy and trade, but also shown in the built community, saying: “The Swiss-Filipino community, here in the Philippines and Switzerland, is a living example of our friendship… through business, science, education for the arts, they contribute to the prosperity and cultural richness of both our nations.”
No doubt — at home or abroad, Swiss solidarity stands tall.
“May the bonds between our nations grow ever stronger, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and friendship,” he said.
